Abstract
The invention relates to dice suitable for use in gaming. In particular the invention relates to a new indicator system for use in gaming dice, the indicator system providing a di value. More specifically the invention relate to a di incorporating the indicator system providing a di value, and the use of the di to provide a di value, and a method of using the di.
Claims
1. A di having a plurality of faces such that when in an at rest position on a surface: (i) a first face of the di contacts the surface; and (ii) the di provides a di value; such that the di value in the at rest position is provided by at least one indicator on at least one other of the plurality of faces, the di value being relative to the distance between the indicator and the first face.
2. The di according to claim 1 wherein the distance between the indicator and the first face is a vertical distance.
3. The di according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the surface is a substantially horizontal surface.
4. The di according to any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the at least one indicator is a visual and/or tactile indicator.
5. The di according to any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the indicator is selected from one or more of the following: mark; tactile indicator; and/or colour.
6. The di according to claim 5 wherein the mark is selected from mark of substantially one dimension; mark of substantially two dimensions; and/or mark of substantially three dimensions.
7. The di according to claim 6 wherein the mark of substantially one dimension is selected from: dot; and/or intersection of two or more lines.
8. The di according to claim 6 wherein the mark of substantially two dimensions is a line.
9. The di according to claim 6 wherein the mark of substantially three dimensions is selected from: indent; groove; and/or ridge.
10. The di according to any one of claims 1 to 9 having n faces, such that the di provides n unique di values.
11. The di according to any one of claims 1 to 10 having more than one type of indicator.
12. The di according to claim 11 having solid lines as a first type of indicator and dashed lines as a second type of indicator.
13. The di according to any one of claims 1 to 12 having from 2 to 120 faces.
14. The di according to any one of claims 1 to 13 having from 2 to 20 faces.
15. The di according to any one of claims 1 to 14 having from 4 to 8 faces.
16. The di according to any one of claims 1 to 15 having 4 or 6 faces.
17. The di of any one of claims 1 to 16 providing a plurality of di values, wherein at least one of the di values is determined without the presence of an indicator.
18. The di according to claim 17 wherein the at least one of the di values determined without the presence of an indicator can be inferred from at least one of the other di values provided by the di.
19. A substantially cubic di having six faces such that when at rest on a surface: a first face of the di contacts the surface; a second face is provided parallel to the first face; third, fourth, fifth and sixth faces are provided substantially orthogonal to the first and second faces; such that when in an at rest position on a surface the di provides a di value, such that the di value in the at rest position is provided by at least one indicator on at least one of the third, fourth, fifth and/or sixth faces, the di value being relative to the distance between the indicator and the first face.
20. The di of claim 19 providing a plurality of di values, wherein at least one of the di values is determined without the presence of an indicator.
21. The di according to claim 20 wherein the at least one of the di values determined without the presence of an indicator can be inferred from at least one of the other di values provided by the di.
22. A substantially triangular pyramidal di having four faces such that when at rest on a surface: a first face of the di contacts the surface; second, third, and fourth faces are provided substantially adjacent to the first face; such that when in an at rest position on a surface the di provides a di value, such that the di value in the at rest position is provided by at least one indicator on at least one of the second, third and/or fourth faces, the di value being relative to the distance between the indicator and the first face.
23. The di of claim 22 providing a plurality of di values, wherein at least one of the di values is determined without the presence of an indicator.
24. The di according to claim 23 wherein the at least one of the di values determined without the presence of an indicator can be inferred from at least one of the other di values provided by the di.
25. A kit of parts including the di of any one of claims 1 to 24 together with instructions for use of the di.
26. Use of a di to provide a di value, said di having a plurality of faces such that when in an at rest position on a surface a first face of the di contacts the surface such that the di value in the at rest position is provided by at least one indicator on at least one other of the plurality of faces, the di value being relative to the distance between the indicator and the first face.
27. Method of obtaining a di value from a di, the method including the steps of: (i) a user capturing the di in the user's hand; (ii) the user releasing the di from the user's hand so that the di contacts a surface and a first face of the di comes to an at rest position contacting the surface; (ii) determining the di value from the properties of the di in the at rest position; such that the di value in the at rest position is provided by at least one indicator on at least one other of the plurality of faces, the di value being relative to the distance between the indicator and the first face.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0060] Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
[0061] FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of a d6 of the invention in a first position. The distance (d) between the indicator (14) and the first face (4) is shown in a two dimensional planar representation;
[0062] FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of the d6 shown in FIG. 1 in a second position. The distance (d) between the indicator (26) and the first face (16) is shown in a two dimensional planar representation;
[0063] FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of the d6 shown in FIG. 1 in a third position. The distance (d) between the indicator (38) and the first face (28) is shown in a two dimensional planar representation;
[0064] FIG. 4 depicts a perspective view of the d6 shown in FIG. 1 in a fourth position;
[0065] FIG. 5 depicts a perspective view of the d6 shown in FIG. 1 in a fifth position;
[0066] FIG. 6 FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of the d6 shown in FIG. 1 in a sixth position;
[0067] FIG. 7 depicts a perspective view of a d4 of the invention at rest in a first position on a surface. The distance (d) between the indicator (56) and the first face (48) is shown in a two dimensional planar representation;
[0068] FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of the same d4 from FIG. 7, in a different at rest position;
[0069] FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of the same d4 from FIGS. 7 and 8, in a different at rest position;
[0070] FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of the same d4 from FIGS. 7, 8 and 9, in a different at rest position;
[0071] FIGS. 11.1-11.3 show side profiles of three different at rest positions of the same d6. Only the indicator line used to determine the value represented shown. Other indicators on each face, not used to determine value, omitted for clarity;
[0072] FIGS. 12.1-12.3 provide schematics for how indicator lines may be marked on the (side) vertical aspect of a di having n sides that is in an at rest position, where n is an even number and is greater than or equal to 6;
[0073] FIGS. 13.1-13.3 show side profiles of three different at rest positions of the same d6. This d6 provides 3 unique di values;
[0074] FIGS. 14.1-14.3 provide schematics for how indicator lines (134) may be marked on the (side) vertical aspect of a di having n sides that is in an at rest position, where n is an even number and is greater than or equal to 6 and where n/2 is an odd number. The spacings of the indicator lines provide (n/2) unique di values;
[0075] FIGS. 15.1-15.2 provide schematics for how indicator lines may be marked on the (side) vertical aspect of a di having n sides that is in an at rest position, where n is an even number and is greater than or equal to 6 and where n/2 is an even number. The spacings of the indicator lines provide (n/2) unique di values;
[0076] FIGS. 16.1-16.4 show an exemplary d4 of the invention in four different at rest positions. Only the indicator line used to determine the value represented shown. Other indicators on each face, not used to determine value, omitted for clarity;
[0077] FIG. 17 shows a side profile of a d6 using a different (coloured) indicator scheme which is useful in the present invention; and
[0078] FIG. 18 shows a perspective view of a d6 using a different indicator scheme which is useful in the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0079] While the invention has broader application, it is believed that the invention will be most successfully applied to d6 and d4. As such, the following description is with reference to d6 and d4 systems, although this should not be seen as limiting.
[0080] FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of a d6 (2) of the invention at rest in a first position on a surface (not shown). Contacting the surface is a first face (4; obscured). A second face (6) is provided parallel to the first face (4). A third (8) face and a fourth (10) face are provided as well as fifth and sixth faces (obscured). A line (12; 14) is provided that runs approximately parallel to the surface across the third face (8) and fourth face (10). The line continues around at the same distance relative to the first face across the fifth and sixth faces. The line is an indicator of the di value for the at rest position shown. In this instance, the distance between the line and the first face is minimal and the unique di value for the at rest position shown may be given as 1 (although this should not be seen as limiting, and in a different di value system, the indicator could indicate a di value of 6).
[0081] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the same d6 (2) from FIG. 1, in a different at rest position. The different at rest position provides different first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth faces to the faces of the at rest position of FIG. 1. Accordingly, the d6 (2) of the invention is at rest in a first position on a surface (not shown). Contacting the surface is a first face (16; obscured). A second face (18) is provided parallel to the first face (16). A third (20) face and a fourth (22) face are provided as well as fifth and sixth faces (obscured). A line (24; 26) is provided that runs approximately parallel to the surface across the third face (20) and fourth face (22). The line continues around at the same distance relative to the first face across the fifth and sixth faces. The line is an indicator of the di value for the at rest position shown. In this instance, the distance between the line and the first face is slightly greater than the distance between the line and the corresponding first face in the at rest position shown in FIG. 1 and the unique di value for the at rest position shown may be given as 2 (although this should not be seen as limiting, and in a different di value system, the indicator could indicate a di value of 5).
[0082] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the same d6 (2) from FIGS. 1 and 2, in a different at rest position. The different at rest position provides different first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth faces to the faces of the at rest positions of FIGS. 1 and 2. Accordingly, the d6 (2) of the invention is at rest in a first position on a surface (not shown). Contacting the surface is a first face (28; obscured). A second face (30) is provided parallel to the first face (28). A third (32) face and a fourth (34) face are provided as well as fifth and sixth faces (obscured). A line (36; 38) is provided that runs approximately parallel to the surface across the third face (32) and fourth face (34). The line continues around at the same distance relative to the first face across the fifth and sixth faces. The line is an indicator of the di value for the at rest position shown. In this instance, the distance between the line and the first face is slightly greater than the distance between the line and the corresponding first face in the at rest position shown in FIG. 2 and the unique di value for the at rest position shown may be given as 3 (although this should not be seen as limiting, and in a different di value system, the indicator could indicate a di value of 4).
[0083] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the same d6 (2) from FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, in a different at rest position. The different at rest position provides different first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth faces to the faces of the at rest positions of FIGS. 1, 2 and 3. However, the at rest position of FIG. 4 is simply the at rest position of FIG. 3 which has been inverted—that is the first face of FIG. 3 is now the second face of FIG. 4 and the second face of FIG. 3 is now the first face of FIG. 4. As such, the height of the indicator line (40) is more distant from the surface than the line in FIG. 3 and the unique di value for the at rest position shown may be given as 4 (although this should not be seen as limiting, and in a different di value system, the indicator could indicate a di value of 3).
[0084] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of the same d6 (2) from FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 4, in a different at rest position. The different at rest position provides different first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth faces to the faces of the at rest positions of FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 4. However, the at rest position of FIG. 5 is simply the at rest position of FIG. 2 which has been inverted—that is the first face of FIG. 2 is now the second face of FIG. 5 and the second face of FIG. 2 is now the first face of FIG. 5. As such, the height of the indicator line (42) is more distant from the surface than the line in FIG. 2 and the unique di value for the at rest position shown may be given as 5 (although this should not be seen as limiting, and in a different di value system, the indicator could indicate a di value of 2).
[0085] FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of the same d6 (2) from FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, in a different at rest position. The different at rest position provides different first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth faces to the faces of the at rest positions of FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5. However, the at rest position of FIG. 6 is simply the at rest position of FIG. 1 which has been inverted—that is the first face of FIG. 1 is now the second face of FIG. 6 and the second face of FIG. 1 is now the first face of FIG. 6. As such, the height of the indicator line (44) is more distant from the surface than the line in FIG. 1 and the unique di value for the at rest position shown may be given as 6 (although this should not be seen as limiting, and in a different di value system, the indicator could indicate a di value of 1).
[0086] FIG. 7 depicts a perspective view of a d4 (46) of the invention at rest in a first position on a surface (not shown). Contacting the surface is a first face (48; obscured). A second face (50) and a third face (52) and a fourth (obscured) face are provided. A groove (54; 56) is provided that runs approximately parallel to the surface across the second face (50) and third face (52). The groove continues around at the same distance relative to the first face across the fourth face. The groove is an indicator of the di value for the at rest position shown. In this instance, the distance between the groove and the first face is substantial (the groove is close to the apex (58) of the d4) and the unique di value for the at rest position shown may be given as 1 (although this should not be seen as limiting, and in a different di value system, the indicator could indicate a di value of 3).
[0087] FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of the same d4 (46) from FIG. 7, in a different at rest position. The different at rest position provides different first, second, third, and fourth faces to the faces of the at rest position of FIG. 7. Accordingly, the d4 (46) of the invention is at rest in a first position on a surface (not shown). Contacting the surface is a first face (60; obscured). A groove (66; 68) is provided that runs approximately parallel to the surface across the second face (62) and third face (64). The groove continues around at the same distance relative to the first face across the fourth face. The groove is an indicator of the di value for the at rest position shown. In this instance, the distance between the groove and the first face is less than the corresponding distance in the at rest position shown in FIG. 7 and the unique di value for the at rest position shown in FIG. 8 may be given as 2. (although this should not be seen as limiting).
[0088] FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of the same d4 (46) from FIGS. 7 and 8, in a different at rest position. The different at rest position provides different first, second, third, and fourth faces to the faces of the at rest position of FIG. 7 and of FIG. 8. Accordingly, the d4 (46) of the invention is at rest in a first position on a surface (not shown). Contacting the surface is a first face (70; obscured). A second face (72) and a third face (74) and a fourth (obscured) face are provided. A groove (76; 78) is provided that runs approximately parallel to the surface across the second face (72) and third face (74). The groove continues around at the same distance relative to the first face across the fourth face. The groove is an indicator of the di value for the at rest position shown. In this instance, the distance between the groove and the first face is less than the corresponding distance in each of the at rest positions shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 and the unique di value for the at rest position shown in FIG. 9 may be given as 3 (although this should not be seen as limiting, and in a different di value system, the indicator could indicate a di value of 1).
[0089] FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of the same d4 (46) from FIGS. 7, 8 and 9, in a different at rest position. The different at rest position provides different first, second, third, and fourth faces to the faces of the at rest positions of FIGS. 7, 8 and 9. Accordingly, the d4 (46) of the invention is at rest in a first position on a surface (not shown). Contacting the surface is a first face (80; obscured). A second face (82) and a third face (84) and a fourth (obscured) face are provided. In this at rest position there is no indicator on any of the second, third or fourth faces that provides a di value. Instead, the di value may be inferred from the di values provided by the at rest positions shown in FIGS. 7, 8 and 9 optionally in combination with instructions provided with the di. As such, the unique di value for the at rest position shown in FIG. 10 may be given as 4 (although this should not be seen as limiting, and in a different di value system, the unique di value could be 0).
[0090] FIGS. 11.1-11.3 show side profiles of three different at rest positions of the same d6. This d6 provides 6 unique di values.
[0091] In FIG. 11.1, the d6 is in an at rest position wherein the first face (88) contacts the surface (not shown). In FIG. 11.1, an indicator line (90; other indicators not representing the di value from either face 88 or 89 are not shown for clarity) of thickness “d” is located at a relative height of 6 units above the first face (88). In a first embodiment, this at rest position could be assigned a unique di value of 1. In a second embodiment, this at rest position could be assigned a unique di value of 6. If the d6 were to be inverted, such that face (89) was the first face contacting the surface, then the indicator line (90) would be located at a relative height of 1 unit above the first face (89). In the first embodiment, this at rest position could be assigned a unique di value of 6. In the second embodiment, this at rest position could be assigned a unique di value of 1.
[0092] In FIG. 11.2, the d6 is in an at rest position wherein the first face (92) contacts the surface (not shown). In FIG. 11.2, an indicator line (94; other indicators not representing the di value from either face 88 or 89 are not shown for clarity) of thickness “d” is located at a relative height of 5 units above the first face (92). In the first embodiment, this at rest position could be assigned a unique di value of 2. In the second embodiment, this at rest position could be assigned a unique di value of 5. If the d6 were to be inverted, such that face (93) was the first face contacting the surface, then the indicator line (94 would be located at a relative height of 2 units above the first face (93). In the first embodiment, this at rest position could be assigned a unique di value of 5. In the second embodiment, this at rest position could be assigned a unique di value of 2.
[0093] In FIG. 11.3, the d6 is in an at rest position wherein the first face (96) contacts the surface (not shown). In FIG. 11.3, an indicator line (98; other indicators not representing the di value from either face 88 or 89 are not shown for clarity) of thickness “d” is located at a relative height of 4 units above the first face (96). In the first embodiment, this at rest position could be assigned a unique di value of 3. In the second embodiment, this at rest position could be assigned a unique di value of 4. If the d6 were to be inverted, such that face (97) was the first face contacting the surface, then the indicator line (98) would be located at a relative height of 2 units above the first face (97). In the first embodiment, this at rest position could be assigned a unique di value of 4. In the second embodiment, this at rest position could be assigned a unique di value of 3.
[0094] In some embodiments, each of lines 90, 94 and 98 may not be continuous or may not be present on all faces. In other embodiments, each of lines 90, 94 and 98 will continue around the d6 at the same relative height to the respective first faces. In those embodiments, each face will provide two lines intersecting orthogonally to each other, in the same or similar relationship to that shown in FIGS. 1 to 6.
[0095] FIGS. 12.1-12.3 provide schematics for how indicator lines (100; other indicators not representing the di value are not shown for clarity) may be marked on the (side) vertical aspect of a di having n sides that is in an at rest position, where n is an even number and is greater than or equal to 6. It will be noted that the square outline (102) is not necessarily intended to reflect the outline of the geometrical shape of the di. That said, in the instance that the di is a d6 then the schematics provided in FIGS. 12.1-12.3 reflect the square side profiles of the d6 dice shown in FIGS. 11.1-11.3. In the schematic shown in FIG. 12.1, an indicator line (100) of thickness “d” (which may be any suitable thickness—including zero thickness as present at the boundary of two colours/shades/etc) is provided positioned at a distance of one unit from upper extremity (104) of the geometrical shape, which may be a face or apex of the shape. The indicator line (100) is at a relative height of “n” units above the lower extremity (106) of the geometrical shape, which will be a first face of the shape contacting the surface (not shown) in the at rest position. The unique di value assigned to the indicator line in FIG. 12.1 may be 1, or may be n. In the schematic shown in FIG. 12.2, an indicator line (108) of thickness “d” is provided positioned at a distance of two units from upper extremity (110) of the geometrical shape, which may be a face or apex of the shape. The indicator line (108) is at a relative height of “n−1” units above the lower extremity (112) of the geometrical shape, which will be a first face of the shape contacting the surface (not shown) in the at rest position. The unique di value assigned to the indicator line in FIG. 12.2 may be 2, or may be n−1. This sequence continues until in the schematic shown in FIG. 12.3, an indicator line (114) of thickness “d” is provided positioned at a distance of n/2 units from upper extremity (116) of the geometrical shape, which may be a face or apex of the shape. The indicator line (114) is at a relative height of “(n/2)+1” units above the lower extremity (118) of the geometrical shape, which will be a first face of the shape contacting the surface (not shown) in the at rest position. The unique di value assigned to the indicator line in FIG. 12.3 may be n/2, or may be n/2+1.
[0096] FIGS. 13.1-13.3 show side profiles of three different at rest positions of the same d6. This d6 provides 3 unique di values.
[0097] In FIG. 13.1, the d6 is in an at rest position wherein the first face (120) contacts the surface (not shown). In FIG. 13.1, an indicator line (122) of thickness “d” is located at a relative height of 2 units above the first face (120). In a first embodiment, this at rest position could be assigned a unique di value of 1. In a second embodiment, this at rest position could be assigned a unique di value of 2. In a third embodiment, this at rest position could be assigned a unique di value of +. In a fourth embodiment, this at rest position could be assigned a unique di value of −. In a fifth embodiment, this at rest position could be assigned a unique di value of “yes”. In a sixth embodiment, this at rest position could be assigned a unique di value of “no”.
[0098] In FIG. 13.2, the d6 is in an at rest position wherein the first face (126) contacts the surface (not shown). In FIG. 13.2, an indicator line (128) of thickness “d” is located at a relative height of 1 unit above the first face (126). In the first embodiment, this at rest position could be assigned a unique di value of 2 In the second embodiment, this at rest position could be assigned a unique di value of 1. In the third embodiment, this at rest position could be assigned a unique di value of −. In the fourth embodiment, this at rest position could be assigned a unique di value of +. In the fifth embodiment, this at rest position could be assigned a unique di value of “no”. In the sixth embodiment, this at rest position could be assigned a unique di value of “yes”.
[0099] In FIG. 13.3, the d6 is in an at rest position wherein the first face (132) contacts the surface (not shown). In FIG. 13.3, there is no indicator line, and hence the unique di value may be inferred from the di values in the remaining at rest positions of the d6 and/or from instructions provided with the di. In the first and second embodiments, this at rest position could be assigned a unique di value of 3. In the third and fourth embodiments, this at rest position could be assigned a unique di value of 0. In the fifth and sixth embodiments, this at rest position could be assigned a unique di value of “maybe”.
[0100] FIGS. 14.1-14.3 provide schematics for how indicator lines (134) may be marked on the (side) vertical aspect of a di having n sides that is in an at rest position, where n is an even number and is greater than or equal to 6 and where n/2 is an odd number. The spacings of the indicator lines provide (n/2) unique di values.
[0101] It will be noted that the square outline (136) is not necessarily intended to reflect the outline of the geometrical shape of the di. In the schematic shown in FIG. 14.1, an indicator line (134) of thickness “d” is provided positioned at a distance of one unit from upper extremity (138) of the geometrical shape, which may be a face or apex of the shape. The indicator line (134) is at a relative height of “(n/2)−1” above the lower extremity (140) of the geometrical shape, which will be a first face of the shape contacting the surface (not shown) in the at rest position. In the schematic shown in FIG. 14.1, an indicator line (142) of thickness “d” is provided positioned at a distance of two units from upper extremity (144) of the geometrical shape, which may be a face or apex of the shape. The indicator line (142) is at a relative height of “(n/2)−2” above the lower extremity (146) of the geometrical shape, which will be a first face of the shape contacting the surface (not shown) in the at rest position. This sequence continues until in the schematic shown in FIG. 14.2, an indicator line (148) of thickness “d” is provided positioned at a distance of (n/2)−1 units from upper extremity (150) of the geometrical shape, which may be a face or apex of the shape. The indicator line (148) is at a relative height of 1 above the lower extremity (152) of the geometrical shape, which will be a first face of the shape contacting the surface (not shown) in the at rest position. In FIG. 14.3, there is no indicator line, and hence the unique di value may be inferred from the di values in the remaining at rest positions of the di and/or from instructions provided with the di.
[0102] FIGS. 15.1-15.2 provide schematics for how indicator lines (154) may be marked on the (side) vertical aspect of a di having n sides that is in an at rest position, where n is an even number and is greater than or equal to 6 and where n/2 is an even number. The spacings of the indicator lines provide (n/2) unique di values.
[0103] It will be noted that the square outline (156) is not necessarily intended to reflect the outline of the geometrical shape of the di. In the schematic shown in FIG. 15.1, an indicator line (154) of thickness “d” is provided positioned at a distance of one unit from upper extremity (158) of the geometrical shape, which may be a face or apex of the shape. The indicator line (154) is at a relative height of “(n/2)” above the lower extremity (160) of the geometrical shape, which will be a first face of the shape contacting the surface (not shown) in the at rest position. In the schematic shown in FIG. 15.1, an indicator line (162) of thickness “d” is provided positioned at a distance of two units from upper extremity (164) of the geometrical shape, which may be a face or apex of the shape. The indicator line (162) is at a relative height of “(n/2)−1” above the lower extremity (166) of the geometrical shape, which will be a first face of the shape contacting the surface (not shown) in the at rest position. This sequence continues until in the schematic shown in FIG. 15.2, an indicator line (168) of thickness “d” is provided positioned at a distance of (n/2) units from upper extremity (170) of the geometrical shape, which may be a face or apex of the shape. The indicator line (168) is at a relative height of 1 above the lower extremity (172) of the geometrical shape, which will be a first face of the shape contacting the surface (not shown) in the at rest position.
[0104] FIGS. 16.1-16.4 show an exemplary d4 (174) of the invention in four different at rest positions.
[0105] In FIG. 16.1, the d4 is in an at rest position wherein the first face (176) contacts the surface (not shown). In FIG. 16.1, an indicator line (178) of thickness “d” is located at a relative height of 3 units above the first face (176).
[0106] In FIG. 16.2, the d4 is in an at rest position wherein the first face (180) contacts the surface (not shown). In FIG. 16.2, an indicator line (182) of thickness “d” is located at a relative height of 2 units above the first face (180).
[0107] In FIG. 16.3, the d4 is in an at rest position wherein the first face (184) contacts the surface (not shown). In FIG. 16.3, an indicator line (186) of thickness “d” is located at a relative height of 1 unit above the first face (184).
[0108] In FIG. 16.4, the d4 is in an at rest position wherein the first face (188) contacts the surface (not shown). In FIG. 16.4, there is no indicator line, and hence the unique di value may be inferred from the di values in the remaining at rest positions of the d4 and/or from instructions provided with the di.
[0109] FIG. 17 shows a side profile of a d6 using a different (coloured) indicator scheme which is useful in the present invention. The indicator scheme uses different colours and the boundary (190) of the different colours provides an indicator—the di value being relative to the distance between the indicator and the first face (192). In the figure shown, and by way of example only, the upper left rectangle is yellow, the upper right rectangle is red, the lower left rectangle is blue, and the lower right rectangle is green.
[0110] FIG. 18 shows a perspective view of a d6 using a different indicator scheme which is useful in the present invention. The indicator scheme uses contrasting, alternating light and dark shading and the boundary (194) of the different shading provides an indicator—the di value being relative to the distance between the indicator and the first face (196; not shown).
[0111] The entire disclosures of all applications, patents and publications cited above and below, if any, are herein incorporated by reference.
[0112] All references, including any patents or patent applications cited in this specification are hereby incorporated by reference. No admission is made that any reference constitutes prior art. The discussion of the references states what their authors assert, and the applicants reserve the right to challenge the accuracy and pertinency of the cited documents. It will be clearly understood that, although a number of prior art publications are referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that any of these documents form part of the common general knowledge in the art, in New Zealand or in any other country.
[0113] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words “comprise”, “comprising”, and the like, are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense, that is to say, in the sense of “including, but not limited to”.
[0114] The invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, in any or all combinations of two or more of said parts, elements or features.
[0115] Where in the foregoing description reference has been made to integers or components having known equivalents thereof, those integers are herein incorporated as if individually set forth.
[0116] It should be noted that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be included within the present invention.
[0117] Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope thereof.
